Billick: Falcons' defensive injuries 'puts added pressure on offense'

Former coach Brian Billick joined Dukes and Bell Tuesday to talk about the Atlanta Falcons' recent injury wave on defense.

“Every team does constant evaluation and has a roster of players at every position, what young players or veterans who might be out there that can come in," Billick said. "It’s not something that is easy to do. It’s unfortunate because I thought it was a top-10 defense before the injuries and no matter who you bring in you have to remember they are available for a reason.”

Billick talked about the added pressure on the offense to score more now.

“The league right now is wide open," said Billick. "Certainly Atlanta with the talent they have with Matt Ryan, Julio [Jones] and now Calvin Ridley emerging you will need to score four or five touchdowns a week and that puts a lot of pressure on you.”

When asked about the new emphasis on protecting the quarterback...

“We are trying to keep the quarterbacks healthy and that’s a good thing," said Billick. "But it’s a tough one because I think how would I coach these guys, you have to hit them in the sweet spot, can’t take more than two steps after he throws the ball and now you can’t land on them so it’s a tough one.”